How much compensation for anxiety can I get after a car accident?

Anxiety and other forms of emotional distress can be significant consequences after being injured in a car crash. The amount of compensation you may receive for anxiety after a car accident in North Carolina varies widely based on several key factors, including:

• The severity of your condition – The more severe and debilitating your anxiety, the higher the possible compensation. Similarly, longer-lasting anxiety typically results in higher compensation than temporary symptoms.
• How well it is documented – A professional diagnosis and ongoing treatment records from mental health professionals can strengthen your personal injury claim. Documentation showing how anxiety affects your work, relationships, and enjoyment of life is also good support. In all cases, clear evidence linking your anxiety directly to the collision is essential.
• Its effect on your daily life – Anxiety that significantly impacts your day-to-day life may result in more compensation. For example, if you experience occasional mild anxiety when driving, your compensation will likely be less than if you develop severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that prevents you from driving altogether or seriously affects your ability to work.

While there is no standard formula for calculating fair compensation for anxiety, it generally falls under “non-economic damages” or “pain and suffering.” These damages are more subjective than economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages. Insurance companies may use various methods to calculate these damages. When you consult with the legal team at Hardison & Cochran, we can give you an informed estimate of how much your anxiety compensation might be worth.